200-201 Security Concepts Practice Question
An organization experiences a ransomware attack where files are encrypted and a ransom is demanded. Which element of the CIA triad is most directly impacted?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between Integrity and Availability by presenting a scenario where data is altered (encryption) but the primary consequence is loss of access, leading candidates to mistakenly choose Integrity because they focus on the modification rather than the resulting denial of service.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Availability
A ransomware attack encrypts files and demands payment, directly preventing users from accessing their data and systems. This loss of access is a direct impact on Availability, which ensures that information and resources are accessible when needed. The CIA triad's Availability element is most immediately compromised because the organization cannot retrieve or use its encrypted files.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Availability
Why this is correct
Ransomware prevents access to data, impacting availability.
- ✗
Integrity
Why it's wrong here
Integrity is affected because data is encrypted, but the main concern is access.
- ✗
Non-repudiation
Why it's wrong here
Non-repudiation is not part of the CIA triad.
- ✗
Confidentiality
Why it's wrong here
Data is encrypted but not necessarily disclosed.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 200-201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-201 exam.